What to buy the child who has everything

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Tis the season for gift giving, but it’s also the season for holiday stress, especially when you’re shopping for the child who has everything.

Even while children everywhere are making their Christmas or Hanukkah lists, if you’re like me, you cannot imagine another toy entering the house. Are you at a complete loss about what to buy a special child on your Christmas list?

Before buying a bunch of toys that will be played with twice, consider the ideas below that will keep on giving throughout the year.

Monthly Gift Subscription Boxes

Do you remember getting mail as a kid? I remember receiving “Highlights” magazine and it was a big treat for me each month. Nowadays, you can get just about anything delivered with a monthly subscription. Here are some of the most popular subscription boxes for kids. These truly are the gifts that keep on giving.

• Loot Crate is a company that has gamers in mind. They send those enthusiasts who always know the latest movie and game releases memorabilia from all the things keeping them inside the house. The box has items that are related with gaming, film and TV franchises, manga and anime and more. Starting at $13.95 per month, plus shipping.

• Brick Loot is a box subscription company for LEGO and Brick fanatics. Subscribers will receive a monthly box filled with unique, custom and never-before-seen items that work with LEGO bricks and custom building. Each month your Brick Loot box is filled with four to eight items that were hand picked by Brick specialists who scour the world for the newest and coolest products for you to collect.

• Tinker Crate, which costs about $19.95 per month (free shipping), is a STEM-based crafts and DIY project for kids, with supplemental learning kits, booklets and activities. Projects are designed to enhance children’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills through activities that are exciting and fun!

• Get a different board or card game every month with Game Box Monthly, which delivers unique and board games of all kinds from many different publishers. When you sign up, they will ask about your preferences and what games you already have, so you can always enjoy something new and awesome with your children. Starting at $25 per month.

• Calling all Disney fanatics.Themepark Monthly sends pins, mugs, snacks and other authentic theme park merchandis to people who would live in Disney if they could, but now don’t have to. Starting at $7.95 per month.

• Little Passports is a subscription box which helps kids explore the world through fun and educational activities. Similar to Highlights but with some extra bonus features. They have different products that relate to exploring our country or the world. Starting at just $13.95 per month.

• KidPik is aimed at girls 4 through 14, and this subscription service allows little girls to set up a fashion profile (with help from parents) on their site. Then the KidPik team curates a box of goodies for her and sends it out. Each box typically has about six to seven items (tops, bottoms and accessories) at an average price of $12.50 an item.

• Kiwi Crate is full of fun, hands-on projects that include science experiments, art projects and build-and-play games for crafty kids ages 3 through 8. Starting at $17 per month and shipping is free.

• Older kids? No problem. Doodle Crate is a subscription box from Kiwi Crate targeted at older children aged 9-16 that delivers an art project every month. It is described as “a studio for hands-on creativity delivered every month.” Starting at $20 a month.

• Kidstir is for the foodie kid. This unique subscription is a great way to get your kids into the kitchen with you and learn how to cook. It’s also an educational service that fosters quality time between parents and children. Starting at $19.95 per month plus $3.95 shipping ($23.90 per month)

• Tickets to an event or experience

It doesn’t have to be tickets to Disney World, but what about Disney on Ice Passport to Adventure, which will be at Mohegan Sun Arena in January? There are a ton of great shows coming to NEPA. “Cinderella” is coming to the Scranton Cultural Center in April and “Annie” will be performed at the FM Kirby Center in February. Check calendar570.com for a complete list of entertainment in NEPA.

Gift Cards

One thing that kids love is getting gift cards. There is something about being able to buy what they want on their own card that is satisfying. Don’t restrict gift cards to only retail stores, think about giving the gift of food or entertainment. Think about a movie, food, itunes, events, or a Visa gift card. You can even make your own gift card with the child’s image, name, and a special message at giftcards.com/personalized-gift-cards.

Registration for a class

Classes can get expensive for parents especially with multiple kids. Perhaps a relatives can cover the cost for one month of a class as a special gift. Has your child been asking to try something new? This is the perfect time to encourage them to explore. The Greater Scranton YMCA offers gift cards that are redeemable for membership, personal training, youth programs, swim lessons, apparel and more.

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